3 running backs the Raiders could select on Day 2 of the NFL Draft

Finding a running back in the draft has not been fun for Raiders fans during Reggie McKenzie’s reign as general manager. The Raiders did not draft a running back before the fifth round in any of McKenzie’s seven draft classes.

Now with McKenzie out of the picture, we do not have a clear idea of what Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden are going to do going forward when it comes to the running back position. Do you bring back Doug Martin? Is Chris Warren an option even though he is 270 pounds? These questions need to be answered this off-season, and the Raiders could look to the draft for help.

Drafting the right running back is always based on scheme fit unless they are top ten talents like Saquon Barkley or Todd Gurley. If you pick the wrong running back based on your blocking scheme, it could derail the young player’s career before it started. Gruden runs primarily a zone blocking scheme mixing outside and inside zone for a majority of their run calls.

That why the importance of finding a back with a good vision to read blocks and create the right decision when hitting the hole. Let’s look at the two best zone running backs in this year’s draft.

Damien Harris, Alabama

One of Alabama’s most consistent players last year was running back Damien Harris. Harris is a well-built running back with a thick lower frame coming in 5’11 and 215 pounds. During his career at Alabama, Harris ran for over 3000 yards, scored 23 touchdowns, and averaged over 6.4 YPC.

Harris excels in the zone-blocking scheme displaying great vision and ability to find the correct hole. When the Alabama offense called outside zone runs, Harris was the best at executing the play in a deep running back group. Harris also has excellent hands and is a tough matchup out of the backfield. He could come in and help the Raiders from day one.

Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M

Trayveon Williams is a junior running back from Texas A&M who is a little undersized at 5’9, 200 pounds. Williams productivity was off the charts in 2018 accumulating 1760 yards rushing, 18 touchdowns and 6.5 YPC on the year.

Williams is a perfect fit for the zone-blocking scheme with a jump cut that can rival your favorite running backs in the league. His patience and ability to understand angles make him stand out when running inside and outside the zone.

What makes Williams special is his ability to make defenders miss in open space. His elusiveness is too much for opposing safeties and linebackers making them look silly in the process. Williams has tremendous upside and is a perfect fit for the for the Raiders’ offense.

Darrell Henderson, Memphis

If Darrell Henderson were a major league baseball player, he would definitely be a power hitter. Henderson is a big play waiting to happen, and at Memphis, he averages 8.2 YPC during his career, finishing this year with 1909 yards rushing.

Henderson is little undersized as well, but he might have the best vision in this class. The Memphis star rarely misses open holes and displays elite burst when he makes his decision to turn upfield at the drop of a hat. Memphis ran a heavy zone blocking scheme featuring some split zone, inside zone, and outside zone.

All together, this makes Henderson one of the premier zone-backs of this draft. His breakaway speed also makes him a player who could add an element of speed to an offense that was lacking any explosiveness last season. Henderson could be a big pick for the Raiders come April.

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